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>APTI£T ^HURCH pOLITY. 

BY 

REV. E. T. HISCOX, D. D. 

A uther of Baptist Church Directory \ Baptist Short Method, Star 
Book Series, etc. 



$ew Jxmh : 

WARD & DRUMMOND, 

Successors to U. D. Ward, 

116 Nassau. Street. 



* 



THE 



Star Book 



ON 



BAPTIST CHURCH POLITY, 



. Rev. E. T/'HISCOX, D.D. 

Author of Baptist Church Directory, Baptist Short 
Method, Star Book Series, &c, &c. 



JjlQHTEEJSTH JhOU£AND. 



KEW YORK: 

WARD & DRUMMOND, 

Successors to U. D.WARD, 

No . 116 Nassau Street. 



->° 



#\6 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by 
WARD & DRUMMOND, 

Successors to U. D. Wabd, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



$ 



PREFACE 

TO THE REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION. 



It is probably safe to say, that two-thirds of the 
cases of strife and division which rend the churches 
and scandalize religion, are due to misjudged and 
misdirected proceedings in Church business, and in 
the exercise of discipline. It is of the utmost im- 
portance, that, not only pastors and deacons, but the 
members generally, should understand what consti- 
tutes correct action, since on their vote depend decis- 
ions which involve the most serious consequences to 
the churches. 

Many of the churches have prepared for themselves 
brief manuals, embracing articles of faith, covenant, 
rules of order, with various statements of principles. 
But the greater part of them are very imperfect, and 
not a few are very erroneous, and misguiding in some 
of their positions and principles. 

The object of this little work is to provide a brief 
manual, which will serve as a guide in the more im- 
portant concerns, as well as in the ordinary ex- 
perience of the churches. Its statements and princi- 
ples, so far as they go, are sanctioned by the almost 
universal usages of our churches, and will generally 



"be accepted and approved by the best authorities, on 
the most careful examination. It is in strict accor- 
dance with the larger work, the Baptist Church Di- 
rectory, prepared by the author, and published many 
years ago, great numbers of which have been circu- 
lated in all sections of the country, and which is gen- 
erally accepted as a standard in matters of Baptist 
Church polity ; and which has passed into five or six 
translations, and is in general use on our foreign 
mission fields. 

The present edition is much improved by a careful 
revision, and also by the addition of considerable new 
matter. The Scripture references to the Articles of 
Faith, omitted in the first editions to save space and 
expense, have in this been supplied, while, at the 
same time, the price has been reduced. 

The need of such a manual, and the value of this 
to supply the want, are certified by the large sale it 
has already had, and the universal commendation it 
has received. 

It is hoped the pastors and their churches will see 
the advantage of putting a copy of the Star Book into 
the hands of every member, and of every candidate 
for admission. 

Its general adoption could not fail to add much to 
the uniformity of Church action, and the harmony 
of Church life. 

E. T. H. 

New York, March 10, 1880. 



Articles of Faith, 



I. — The Scriptures. 
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by 
men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure 
of heavenly instruction ; l that it has God for its 
author, salvation for its end, 2 and truth without 
any mixture of error for its matter ; 3 that it re- 
veals the principles by which God will judge us ; 4 
and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of 
the world, the true centre of Christian union, 5 and 
the supreme standard by which all human con- 
duct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. 6 



1 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. All Scripture is given by inspiration 
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for cor- 
rection, for instruction in righteousness ; that the man of 
God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good 
works. Also, 2 Pet. i. 21. 2 Sam. xxiii. 2. Acts i. 16 ; iii. 
21. John x. 35. Luke xvi. 29-31. Ps. cxix. 111. Rom. 
iii. 1, 2. 

2 2 Tim. iii. 15. Able to make thee wise unto salvation. 
Also, 1 Pet. i. 10-12, Acts xi. 14. Rom. i. 16. Mark xvi, 
16. John v. 38-39. 



3 Proverbs xxx. 5, 6. Every word of God is pure. Add 
thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be 
found a liar. Also, John xvii. 17. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. Rom. 
iii. 4. 

4 Rom. ii. 12. As many as have sinned in the law, shall 
be judged by the law. John xii. 47, 48. If any man hear 
my words — the word that I have spoken, the same shall 
judge him in the last day. Also, 1 Cor. iv. 3, 4. Luke x. 
10-16 ; xii. 47, 48. 

5 Phil. iii. 16. Let us walk by the same rule; let us 
mind the same thing. Also, Ephes. iv. 3, 6. Phil. ii. i, 2. 
1 Cor. i. 10. 1 Pet. iv. 11. 

6 1 John iv. 1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try 
the spirits whether they are of God. Isaiah viii. 20. To the 
law and to the testimony; If they speak not according to 
this word, it is because there is no light in them. 1 Thess. 
v. 21. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Acts xvii. 11. 1 John iv. 6. Jude 
3. 5. Ephes. vi. 17. Ps. cxix. 59, 60. Phil. i. 9-11. 

II.— The True God. 
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is 
one, and only one, living and true God, an infi- 
nite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, 
the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and 
Earth i 1 inexpressibly glorious in holiness, 2 and 
worthy of all possible honor, confidence and 
love ; 3 that in the unity of the Godhead there 
are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost ; 4 equal in every divine perfection, 
and executing distinct but harmonious offices in 
the great work of redemption. 6 



1 John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. Ps. cxlvii. 5. His un- 
derstanding is infinite. Ps. lxxxiii. 18. Thou whose name 
alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth. 
Heb. iii. 4. Rom. i. 20. Jer. x. 10. 

2 Ex. xv. 11. Who is like unto Thee — glorious in holi- 
ness ? Isa. vi. 3. 1 Pet. i. 15, 16. Rev. iv. 6-8. 

3 Mark xii. 30. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, 
and with all thy strength. Rev. iv. 11. Thou art worthy, 
O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power. Matt. x. 
37. Jer. ii. 12, 13. 

4 Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. John xv. 26. 1 Cor. xii. 4-6. 1 
John v. 7. 

5 John x. 30. I and my Father are one. John v. 17 ; 
xiv. 23; xvii. 5, 10. Actsv. 3, 4. 1 Cor. ii. 10, 11. Phil, 
ii. S, 6. 

6 Ephes. ii. 18. For through Him [the Son] we both 
have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. 2 Cor. xiii. 
14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of 
God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you 
all. Rev. i. 4,5. 

III.— The Fall of Man. 
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was 
created in holiness, under the law of his Maker ; 
but by voluntary transgression fell from that 
holy and happy state ; 2 in consequence of which 
all mankind are now sinners, 3 not by constraint 
but choice ; 4 being by nature utterly void of that 
holiness required by the law of God, positively 



inclined to evil ; and therefore under just con- 
demnation to eternal ruin, 5 without defense or 
excuse. 6 



1 Gen. i. 27. God created man in his own image. Gen. 
i. 31. And God saw everything that he had made, and be- 
hold, it was very good. Eccles. vii. 29. Acts. xvii. 26. 
Gen. ii. 16. 

2 Gen. iii. 6-24. And when the woman saw that the tree 
was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and 
a tree to be desired to make one wise ; she took of the fruit 
thereof, and did eat ; and gave also unto her husband with 
her, and he did eat. Rom. v. 12. 

3 Rom. v. 19. By one man's disobedience many were 
made sinners. John iii. 6. Ps. Ii. 5. Rom. v. 15-19 ; 
viii. 7. 

4 Isa. liii. 6. We have turned, every one to his own way. 
Gen. vi. 12. Rom. iii. 9-18. 

5 Eph. ii. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversa- 
tion in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the de- 
sires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the 
children of wrath even as others. Rom. i. 18. Rom. i. 32 ; 
ii. 1-16. Gal. iii. 10. Matt. xx. 15. 

6 Ez. xviii. 19, 20. The soul that sinneth it shall die. 
The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither 
shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. Rom. i. 20. 
So that they are without excuse. Rom. iii. 19. That every 
mouth may be stopped and all the world may become 
guilty before God. Gal. iii. 22. 



IV.— The Way of Salvation. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the salva- 
tion of sinners is wholly of grace ; l through the 
mediatorial offices of the Son of God ; 2 who by 
the appointment of the Father, freely took upon 
him our nature, yet without sin ; 3 honored the 
divine law by his personal obedience, 4 and by his 
death made a full atonement for our sins ; 5 that 
having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned 
in heaven ; 6 and uniting in his wonderful person 
the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, 
he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a com- 
passsionate and an all-sufficient Saviour. 7 



1 Eph. ii. 5. By grace ye are saved. Matt, xviii. 11. 

1 John iv. 10. 1 Cor. iii. 5-7. Acts xv. 11. 

2 John iii. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave 
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. John i. 1-14. 
Heb. iv. 14 ; xii. 24. 

2 Phil. ii. 6, 7. Who being in the form of God, thought 
it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of 
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, 
and was made in the likeness of men. Heb. ii. 9 ; ii. 14. 

2 Cor. v. 21. 

4 Isa. xlii. 21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteous- 
ness' sake : he will magnify the law and make it honorable. 
Phil. ii. 8. Gal. iv. 4, 5. Rom, iii. 21, 



5 Isa. liii. 4, 5. He was wounded for our transgressions, 
he was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. 
Matt. xx. 28. Rom. iii. 21 ; iv. 25-26. 1 John iv. 10; ii. 2. 
I Cor. xv. 1-3. Heb. ix. 13-15. 

6 1 Peter iii. 22. Who is gone into Heaven, and is on the 
right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers being 
made subject unto Him. Heb. ix. 24. Heb. i. 3 ; viii. 1. 
Col. iii. 1-4. 

7 Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them 
to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he, ever 
liveth to make intercession for them. Col. ii. 9. For in 
him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Heb. 
ii. 18. Heb. vii. 26. Ps. lxxxix. 19. Ps. xlv. 



V.— Justification. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great 
Gospel blessing which Christ l secures to such as 
believe in Him is justification ; 2 that justification 
includes the pardon of sin, 3 and the promise of 
eternal life on principles of righteousness ; 4 that 
it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works 
of righteousness which we* have done, but solely 
through faith in the Redeemer's blood ; 5 by virtue 
of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely 
imputed to us of God ; 6 that it brings us into a 
state of most blessed peace and favor with God, 
and secures every other blessing needful for time 
and eternity. 7 

1 John i. 16. Of his fullness have all we received. Eph. 
iii. 8. 



II 



2 Acts xiii. 39. By him all that believe are justified from 
all things. Isa. iii. 11, 12. Rom. v.ii. 1. 

3 Rom. v. 9. Being justified by his blood, we shall be 
saved from wrath through him. Zech. xiii. 1.. Matt. ix. 6. 
Acts x. 43. 

4 Rom. v. 17. They which receive the abundance of 
grace and of the gift ot righteousness, shall reign in life by 
one, Jesus Christ. Titus iii. 5, 6. 1 Pet. iii. 7. 1 John ii. 
25. Rom. v. 21. 

5 Rom. iv. 4, 5. Now to him that worketh is the reward 
not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that work- 
eth not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly 
his faith is counted for righteousness. Rom. v. 21 ; vi. 23. 
Phil. iii. 7-9. 

6 Rom. v. 19. By the obedience of one shall many be 
made righteous. Rom. iii. 24-26 ; iv. 23-25. 1 John ii. 12. 

7 Rom. v. 1, 2. Being justified by faith, we have peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; by whom also we 
have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and 
rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. v. 3. Rom. v. 
11. 1 Cor. i. 30, 31. Mat. vi. 33. 1 Tim. iv. 8. 



VI.— The Freeness of Salvation. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the bless- 
ings of salvation are made free to all by the Gos- 
pel : ! that it is the immediate duty of all to accept 
them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; 2 and 
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest 
sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity 
and voluntary rejection of the Gospel ; 3 which re- 
jection involves him in an aggravated condemna- 
tion. 4 



12 



1 Isa. lv. i. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
waters. Rev. xxii. 17. Whosoever will let him take the 
water of life freely. Luke xiv. 17. 

2 Acts xvii. 30. And the times of this ignorance God 
winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to re- 
pent. Rom. xvi. 26. Mark i. 15. Rom. i. 15-17. 

3 John v. 40. Ye will not come to me d that ye might 
have life. Matt, xxiii. 37. Rom. ix. 32. Prov. i. 24. 
Acts xiii. 46. 

4 John iii. 19. And this is the condemnation, that light is 
come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than 
light because their deeds were evil. Matt. xi. 20. Luke 
xix. 27. 2 Thess. i. 8. 

VII.— Regeneration. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that in order 
to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born 
again ; l that regeneration consists in giving a holy 
disposition to the mind ; 2 that it is effected in a 
manner above our comprehension by the power of 
the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, 3 
so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the 
Gospel ; 4 and that its proper evidence appears in 
the holy fruits of repentance, and faith and new- 
ness of life. 5 



1 John iii. 3. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a 
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 
John iii. 6, 7. 1 Cor. i. 14. Rev. viii. 7-9 ; Rev. xxi. 27. 

2 2 Cor. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new 
creature. Ez. xxxvi. 26. Deut. xxx. 6. Rom. ii. 28, 29; 
v. 5. 1 John, iv. 7. 



13 



* John iii. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and 
thou nearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence 
it cometh, and whither it goeth ; so is every one that is 
born of the Spirit. John i. 13. James i. 16-18. 1 Cor. i. 
30. Phil. ii. 13. 

4 1 Pet. i. 22-25. Ye have purified your souls in obey- 
ing the truth through the Spirit. 1 John v. 1. Eph. iv. 
20-24 J Col. iii. 9-1 1. 

6 Eph. v. 9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and 
righteousness, and truth. Rom. viii. 9. Gal. v. 16-23. 
Eph. iii. 14-21. Matt. iii. 8-10 ; vii. 20. 1 John v. 4, 18. 



VIII — Repentance and Faith. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that repent- 
ance and faith are sacred duties, and also insep- 
arable graces, wrought in our souls by the regen- 
erating Spirit of God ; 1 whereby being deeply 
convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, 
and of the way of salvation by Christ, 2 we turn to 
God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and 
supplication for mercy ; 3 at the same time heartily 
receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, 
priest, and king, and relying on him alone as the 
only and all-sufficient Saviour. 4 



1 Mark i. 15. Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Acts 
xi. 18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re- 
pentance unto life. Ephes. ii. 8. By grace ye are saved t 
through faith ; and that not of yourselves ; it is the gift 
of God. 1 John v. 1. 



H 

a John xvi. 8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of 
righteousness, and of judgment. Acts n. 38. Then 
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one 
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of 
sins. Acts xvi. 30, 31. 

8 Luke xviii. 13. And the publican smote upon his 
breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke xv. 
18-21. James iv. 7-10. 2 Cor. vii. n. Rome x. 12, 13 
Ps. li. 

* Rom. x. 9-11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth 
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God 
hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 
iii. 22, 23. Heb. iv. 14. Ps. ii. 6. Heb. i. 8 ; viii. 25. 2 
Tim. i. 12. 



IX. — God's Purpose of Grace. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that elec- 
tion is the eternal purpose of God, according to 
which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and 
saves sinners ; J that being perfectly consistent 
with the free agency of man, it comprehends all 
the means in connection with the end ; 2 that it is a 
most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, 
being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchange- 
able ; 3 that it utterly excludes boasting, and pro- 
motes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, 
and active imitation of his free mercy ; 4 that it en- 
courages the use of means in the highest degree ; 
that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who 
truly believe the Gospel ; 6 that it is the foundation 



i5 

of Christian assurance ; * and that to ascertain it 
with regard to ourselves demands and deserves 
the utmost diligence. 8 



1 2 Tim. i. 8, 9. But be thou partaker of the afflictions 
of the Gospel, according to the power of God ; who hath 
saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according 
to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace 
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 
Eph. i. 3-14. 1 Pet. i. 1, 2. Rom. xi. 5, 6. John xv. 16. 
1 John iv. 19. Hos. xii. 9. 

2 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks 
always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, be- 
cause God hath from the beginning chosen you to salva- 
tion, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the 
truth ; whereunto he called you by our Gospel, to the ob- 
taining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts xiii. 
48. John x. 16. Matt. xx. 16. Acts xv. 14. 

3 Ex. xxxiii. 18, 19. And he said, I will cause all my 
goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name 
of the Lord before thee, and will be gracious to whom I 
will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show 
mercy. Matt. xx. 15. Eph. i. n. Rom. ix. 23, 24. Jer. 
xxxi. 3. Rom. xi. 28, 29. Jam. i. 17, 18. 2 Tim. i. 9. 
Rom. xi. 32-36. 

4 1 Cor. iv. 7. For who maketh thee to differ from an- 
other ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive ? 
Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou 
hadst not received it ? 1 Cor. i. 26-31. Rom. iii. 27 ; iv. 
16. Col. iii. 12. 1 Cor. iii. 5-7 ; xv. 10. 

5 2 Tim. ii. 10. Therefore I endure all things for the 
elects' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which 
is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor. ix. 22. Rom. 
viii. 28-30. John vi. 37-40. 2 Pet. i. 10. 



i6 



6 1 Thess. 4, 10. Knowing, brethren beloved, your elec- 
tion of God. 

7 Rom. viii. 28-30. Moreover, whom he did predesti- 
nate, them he also called, and whom he called them he 
also justified, and whom he justified them he also glorified. 
Isa. xlii. 16. Rom. xi. 29. 

8 2 Pet. i. 10, 11. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give 
diligence to make your calling and election sure. Phil, 
iii. 12. Heb. vi. 11. 



X. Santification, 

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctifica- 
tion is the process by which, according to the will 
of God, we are' made partakers of his holiness ; l 
that it is a progressive work ; 2 that it is begun in 
regeneration ; 3 that it is carried on in the hearts of 
believers by the presence and power of the Holy 
Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual 
use of the appointed means — especially the word 
of God — self-examination, self-denial, watchful- 
ness, and prayer ; 4 and in the practice of all godly 
exercises and duties. 5 



1 Thess. iv. 3. For this is the will of God, even your 
santification. 1. Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace 
sanctify you wholly. 2 Cor. vii. 1 ; xiii. 9. Ephes. i. 4. 

2 Prov. iv. 18. The path of the just is as the shining light, 
which shineth mere and more, unto the perfect day. 2 Cor. 
iii. 18. Heb. vi. 1. 2 Peter i. 5-8. Phil. 12-16. 

3 1 Johnii. 29. If ye know that He- [God], is righteous, ye 
know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him. 
Rom. viii. 5. John iii. 6. Phil. i. 9-11. Ephes. i. 13, 14. 



17 



4 Phil. ii. 12, 13. Work out your own salvation with fear 
and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to 
will and to do, of his good pleasure. Ephes. iv. 11, 12. 1 
Peter ii. 2. 2 Peter iii. 18. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Luke xi. 35 ; 
ix. 23. Matt. xxvi. 41. Ephes. vi. 18 ; iv. 30. 

5 1 Tim. 4, 7. Exercise thyself unto godliness. 

XI. — Perseverance of Saints. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only 
are real believers as endure unto the end i ! that 
their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand 
mark which distinguishes them from superficial 
professors ; 2 that a special Providence watches 
( over their welfare ; 3 and they are kept by the 
power of God through faith unto salvation. 4 



1 John viii. 31. Then said Jesus, If ye continue in my 
word, then are ye my disciples indeed. 1 John ii. 27, 28 ; 
iii. 9 ; v. 18. 

John ii. 19. They went out Irom us, but they were not 
of us ; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have 
continued with us ; but they went out that it might be made 
manifest that they were not all of us. John xiii. 18. Matt, 
xiii. 20, 21. John vi. 66-69. 

3 Rom. viii. 28. And we know all things work together 
for good unto them that love God, to them who are the called 
according to his purpose. M^.tt. vi. 30-33. Jer. xxxii. 40. 
Ps. xci. 11, 12 ; cxxi. 3. 

4 Phil. i. 6. He who hath begun a good work in you will 
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. ii. 12, 13. 
Jude 24. 25% Heb. i. 14; xiii. 5. 2 Kings vi, 16. 1 
John iv. 4. 



i8 



XII. — The Law and Gospel. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law 
of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his 
moral government ; * that it is holy, just, and 
good ; 2 and that the inability which the Scriptures 
ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises 
entirely from their sinful nature ; 3 to deliver them 
from which, and to restore them through a Media- 
tor to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one 
great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace 
connected with the establishment of the visible 
church. 4 



i Rom. iii. 31. Do we make void the law through faith ? 
God forbid. Yea, we establish the law. Matt. v. 17. Luke, 
xvi. 17. Rom. iii. 20; iv. 15. 

2 Rom. vii. 12. The Law is holy, and the commandment 
holy, and just, and good. Rom. vii. 7, 14, 22. Gal. iii. 21. 
Psalm cxix. 

3 Rom. viii. 7, 8. The carnal mind is enmity against 
God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed 
can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please 
God. Josh. xxiv. 19. Jer. xiii. 23. John vi. 44 ; v. 44. 

4 Rom. viii. 2, 4. For the law of the Spirit of Life in 
Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and 
death. For what the law coujd not do, in that it was weak 
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness 
of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh ; that 
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who 
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. x. 4. 1 
Tim. i. 5. Heb. viii. 10. Jude, 20, 21. Heb. xii. 14. 
Matt. xvi. 17, 18. 1 Cor. xii. 28. 



*9 

XIII.— A Gospel Church. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible 
Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized 
believers, 1 associated by covenant in the faith 
and fellowship of the Gospel ; 2 observing the or- 
dinances of Christ ; 3 governed by his laws ; 4 and 
exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges in- 
vested in them by His word ; 5 that its only scrip- 
tural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Dea- 
cons, 6 whose qualifications, claims, and duties are 
defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus. 



i Acts ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word 
were baptized ; and the same day there were added to them 
about three thousand souls. Acts v. 11 ; viii. 1 ; xi. 31 ; 1 
Cor. iv. 17 ; 1 Tim. iii. 5. 

2 2 Cor. viii. 5. They first gave their own selves to the 
Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Acts ii. 47. 1 Cor. 
v. 11, 18. 

3 1 Cor. xi. 2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye re- 
member me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I 
delivered them to you. 2 Thess. iii. 7. Rom. xvi. 17-20. 
1 Cor. xi. 23. Matt, xviii. 15-20. 1 Cor. v. 5. 

4 Matt, xxviii. 20. Teaching them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have commanded you. John xiv. 15 ; xv. 1 
John iv. 21. 1 Thes. iv. 2. 2 John 6. 

5 Ephes. iv. 7. Unto every one of us is given grace ac- 
cording to the measure of the gift of Christ. 1 Cor. xiv. 12. 
Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 

Phil. i. 1. With the Bishops and Deacons. Acts 
xiv. 23 ; xv. 22. I Tim. iii. Titus i. 



10 



XIV. — Christian Baptism. . 

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian 
Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in 
Christ, l into the name of the Father, and Son, and 
Holy Ghost ; 2 to show forth in a solemn and beau- 
tiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and 
risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin 
and resurrection to a new life ; 3 that it is prere- 
quisite to the privileges of a church relation, and 
to the Lord's Supper. 4 



i Acts viii. 36-39. And the eunuch said, See, here is 
water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip 
said, If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest. . . . 
And .they went down into the water, both Philip and the 
eunuch, and he baptized him. Matt. hi. 5, 6. John hi. 22, 
23 ; iv. 1, 2. Matt, xxviii. 19. Mark xvi. 16. Acts ii. 38 ; 
viii. 12; xvi. 32-34; xviii. 8. 

2 Matt, xviii. 19. Baptizing them in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts x. 47, 
48. Gal. hi. 27, 28. 

3 Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by 
baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised from the 
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also, should 
walk in newness of life. Col. ii. 12. 1 Peter iii. 20, 21. 
Acts xxii. 16. 

4 Acts, ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his 
word were baptized, and there were added to them, the 
same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued 
steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in 
rebaking of bread, and in prayers. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. 



11 



XV. — The Lord's Supper, 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Lord's 
Supper is a provision of bread and wine, as 
symbols of Christ's body and blood, partaken 
of by the members of the Church j 1 in commemo- 
ration of the suffering and death of their Lord ; 2 
showing their faith and participation in the merits 
of his sacrifice, and their hope of eternal life 
through his resurrection from the dead ; its observ- 
ance to be preceded by faithful self-examination. 3 



1 Luke xxii. 19, 20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, 
and brake, and gave unto them, saying : This is my body 
which is given for you ; this do in remembrance of me. 
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the 
New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Mark 
xiv. 20-26. Matt. xxvi. 27-30. 1 Cor. xi. 27-30. *i Cor. 
x. 16. 

2 1. Cor. xi. 26. For, as often as ye eat this bread, and 
drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death until he come. 
Matt, xxviii. 20. 

3 i Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so 
let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Acts ii. 42. 
46 ; xx. 7, 11. 



XVI.-— The Christian Sabbath. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first 
day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian 
Sabbath ; * and is to be kept sacred to religious 
purposes, 2 by abstaining from all secular labor 



22 



except works of mercy and necessity, 3 by the de- 
vout observance of all the means of grace, both 
private 4 and public ; 5 and by preparation for that 
rest that remaineth for the people of God. 6 



i Acts xx. 7. On the first day of the week, when the 
disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to 
them. Gen. ii. 3. Col. ii. 16, 17. Mark ii. 27, John xx. 
19. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. 

Ex. xx. 8. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it 
holy. Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day. 
Ps. cxviii. 24. 

3 Isa. Iviii. 13, 14. If thou turn away thy foot from the 
Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and 
call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord honor- 
able ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor 
finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words ; 
then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause 
thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed 
thee with the heritage of Jacob. Isa. lvi. 2-8. 

4 Ps. cxviii. 15. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is 
in the tabernacles of the righteous. 

5 Heb. x. 24, 25. Not forsaking the assembling of your? 
selves together, as the manner of some is. Acts xiii. 44. 
The next Sabbath Day came almost the whole city to- 
gether to hear the word of God. Lev. xix. 30. Ex. xlvi. 
3. Luke iv. 16. Acts xvii. 2, 3. Ps. xxvi. 8 ; lxxxvii. 3. 

6 Heb. iv. 3-1 1. Let us labor therefore to enter into 
that rest. 



2 3 

XVIL— Civil Government. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil gov- 
ernment is of divine appointment, for the interest 
ancTgood order of human society ; ! and that mag- 
istrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously hon- 
ored and obeyed ; 2 except only in things opposed 
to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 who is the 
only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the 
kings of the earth. 4 



i Rom. xiii. 1-7. The powers that be are ordained of 
God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the 
evil. Deut. xvi. 18. 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. Ex. xviii. 23. Jer. 
xxx. 21. 

2 Matt. xxii. 21. Render therefore unto Csesar the 
things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are 
God's. Titus iii. 1. 1 Pet. ii. 13. 1 Yim. ii. 1-8. 

3 Acts v. 29. We ought to obey God rather than man — 
Matt. x. 28. Fear not them which kill the body, but are 
not able to kill the soul. Dan. iii. 15-18 ; vi. 7, 10. Acts 
iv. 18-20. 

4 Matt, xxiii. 10. Ye have one Master, even Christ. 
Rom. xiv. 4. Who art thou that judgest another man's 
servant? Rev. xix. 14. And he hath on his vesture and 
on his thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord 
of Lords. Ps. lxxii. 11. Ps. ii. Rom. xiv. 9-13. 

XVIII.— Righteous and Wicked. 

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a 
radical and essential difference between the right- 



24 



eous and the wicked ; l that such only as through 
faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly 
righteous in his esteem ; 2 while all such as con- 
tinue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight 
wicked and under the curse ; 3 and this distinction 
holds among men both in and after death. 4 



1 Mai. iii. 18. Ye shall discern between the righteous 
and the wicked ; between him that serveth God and him 
that serveth him not. Prov. xii. 26. Isa. v. 20. Gen. 
xviii. 23. Jer. xv. 19. Acts x. 34, 35. Rom. vi. 16. 

Rom. i. 17. The just shall live by faith. Rom. vii. 6. 
We are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein 
we were held, that we should serve in newness of spirit, 
and not in the oldness of the letter. 1 John ii. 29. If ye 
know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that 
doeth righteousnes%is born of him. 1 John iii. 7. Rom. 
vi. 18, 22. 1 Cor. xi. 32. Prov. xi. 31. 1 Pet. iv. 17, 18. 

3 1 John v. 19. And we know that we are of God, and 
the whole world lieth in wickedness. Gal. iii. 10. As 
many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse. 
John iii. 36. Isa. lvii. 21. Ps. x. 4. Isa. Iv. 6, 7. 

4 Prov. xiv. 32. The wicked is driven away in his wick- 
edness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. Luke 
xvi. 25. Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, 
and likewise Lazarus evil things ; but now he is comforted, 
and thou art tormented. John viii. 21-24. Prov. x. 24. 
Luke xii. 4, 5 ; xi. 23-26. John xii. 25, 26. Eccl. iii. 17. 
Matt. vii. 13, 14. 



25 



XIX.-s-The World to Come. 
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end 
of the world is approaching ; *' that at the Last 
Day, Christ will descend from heaven, 2 and raise 
the dead from the grave for final retribution ; 3 that 
a solemn separation will then take place ; 4 that 
the wicked will be adjudged to endless punish- 
ment, and the righteous to endless joy ; 5 and that 
this judgment will fix forever the final state of 
men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteous- 
ness. 

1 Pet. iv. 7. But the end of all things is at hand ; be ye 
therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 1 Cor. vii. 29-31. 
Heb. i. 10-12. Matt. xxiv. 35. I John ii. 17. Matt xxviii. 
20 ; xiii. 39, 40. 2 Pet. iii. 3-13. 

2 Acts i. n. This same Jesus which is taken up from 
you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have 
seen him go into heaven. Rev. i. 7. Heb. ix. 28. Acts 
iii. 21. 1 Thess. iv. 13-18 ; v. 1-11. 

3 Acts xxiv. 15 . There shall be a resurrection of the 
dead, both of the just and unjust. 1 Cor. xv, 12-59. Luke 
xiv. 14. Dan. xii. 2. John v. 28, 29 ; vi. 40 ; xi. 25, 26. 
2 Tim. i. 10. Acts x. 42. 

4 Matt. xiii. 49. The angels shall come forth, and sever 
the wicked from among the lust. Matt. xiii. 37-43 ; xxiv, 
30, 31 ; xxv. 31-33. 

6 Matt. xxv. 35-41. And these shall go away into ever- 
lasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. 
Rev. xxii. 11. He that is unjust let him be unjust still ; 
and he which is filthy let him be filthy still ; and he that 
is righteous let him he righteous still ; and he that is holy 
let him be holy still. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. Mark ix. 43-48. 



26 



2 Pet. ii. 9. Jude 7. Phi. iii. 19. Rom.^vi. 22. 2 Cor. v. 
10, 11. John iv. 36. 2 Cor. iv. 18. 

6 Rom. iii. 5, 6. Is God unrighteous, who taketh ven- 
geance? (I speak as a man.) God forbid ; for how then 
shall God judge the world? 2 Thess. i. 6-12. Seeing it 
is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to 
them who trouble you, and to you who are troubled, rest 
with us — when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, 
and to be admired in all ihem that believe. Heb. vi. 1, 2. 
1 Cor. iv. 5. Acts xvii. 31. Rom. ii. 2-16. Rev. xx. 11, 
12. 1 John ii. 28 ; iv. 17. 

Seeing then^that all these things shall be 
dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to 
be in all holy conversation and godliness, look- 
ing for and hasting unto the coming of the day 
OF God ? 2 Peter iii. 11, 12. 



Covenant. 

Having been, as we trust, brought by divine 
grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and to 
give ourselves wholly to him, we do now solemnly 
and joyfully covenant with each other, TO WALK 
TOGETHER IN HIM, WITH BROTHERLY LOVE, to 

his glory, as our common Lord. We do, there- 
fore, in his strength, engage — 

That we will exercise a Christian care and 
watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, 
exhort, and admonish each other as occasion may 
require : 



27 

That we will not forsake the assembling of our- 
selves together, but will uphold the public wor- 
ship of God, and the ordinances of his house : 

That we will not omit closet and family religion 
at home, nor neglect the great duty of religiously 
training our children, and those under our care, 
for the service of Christ, and the enjoyment of 
heaven : 

That, as we. are the light of the world, and salt 
of the earth, we will seek divine aid, to enable us 
to deny ungodliness, and every worldly lust, and 
to walk circumspectly in the world, that we may 
win the souls of men : 

That we will cheerfully contribute of our prop- 
erty, according as God has prospered us, for the 
maintainance of a faithful and evangelical minis- 
try among us, for the support of the poor, and to 
spread the Gospel over the earth : 

That we will in all conditions, even till death, 
strive to live to the glory of him who hath called 
us out of darkness into his marvellous light. 

" And may the God of peace, who brought 
again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great 
Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the 
everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every 
good work, to do his will, working in us that 
which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus 
Christ; to whom be glory, forever and ever. 
Amen." 



A CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 



A Christian Church is a congregation of baptized 
believers in Christ united in covenant, worship- 
ping together, associated in the faith and fellow- 
ship of the gospel, practising its precepts, observ- 
ing its ordinances, recognizing and receiving 
Christ as their supreme lawgiver and ruler, and 
taking His Word as their exclusive and sufficient 
rule of faith and practice, in all matters of re- 
ligion. 

„ That a Christian Church is a congregation of 
believers, and not a society or number of congre- 
gations or churches united under some more gen- 
eral head or government, is evident from the men- 
tion made of the apostolic churches in the New 
Testament. By such mention we learn that 
churches were single, separate, visible congrega- 
tions of regenerated persons, organized with their 
laws, officers, ordinances, discipline and duties, 
doing the work and maintaining the worship of 
God. 

A Church is " the body " of Christ, in its rela- 
tion to him as " the head." It is " a spiritual 
temple/' as being composed of spiritual or regen- 
erate members, thus distinguished from all world- 
ly organizations, It is " the pillar and ground of 
the truth," in its maintenance and support of the 






2 9 

divine law, and its presentation, proclamation 
and propagation of the great and loving truths 
of the gospel. 

Churches are divinely instituted to be the light 
of the world and the salt of the earth ; they are 
ordained for the glory of God, in the proclamation 
of his gospel, and the establishment of his kingdom 
in the world. They exist for the edification of the 
saints and for the conversion of sinners, not for 
their own gratification or aggrandizement. 

They should, therefore, be constantly striving to 
realize the great end of their existence, and fulfill 
the mission of their high calling, in earnest and 
devoted Christian work of every kind. 

That church which is the most devoted and 
self-sacrficing for Christ, will certainly be the most 
successful and prosperous for itself. 

Since a church is what its individual members 
are, in their religious life ' and influence, therefore 
each member should strive to become what he de- 
sires the church to be. 



Note i. — A church is not to make laws, but 
only to administer and obey those which Christ 
has given in the New Te'stament. He is the only 
law-maker in Zion. 



3° 

NOTE 2.— But in matters merely optional and 
discretionary, not involving fundamental principles 
in doctrine or order, the church is to exercise its 
liberty in judgment and direction, so long as it 
does not contravene Scriptural teaching, or infringe 
the rights of any. 

Note 3. — The church is bound and under law 
to Christ ; but, otherwise, it is independent of, and 
free from, the control and authority of all persons 
whatever, other than its. own members. 

Note 4. — The judgment and authority of the 
church is expressed in the vote of a majority of its 
members, after careful consideration. But the 
nearer that majority approaches to unanamity, the 
more satisfactory and emphatic are its author- 
itative decisions. 

Note 5 . — Committees for conference or refer- 
ence may be selected, or councils called for advice 
in cases of difficulty. But they are advisory only, 
and in no instances authoritative. There is no 
higher and no other court of appeal in ecclesiastical 
affairs than the individual church. 



3i 
ORDINANCES. 



Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the only 
Scriptural ordinances of a Christian church. 

» BAPTISM. 

i. Baptism is the immersion, or dipping, of a 
candidate in water, on a public profession of his 
faith in Christ, and on evidence of regeneration. 
And this baptism is to be performed by a suitable 
adminstrator, in the name of the Father, Son, and 
Holy Spirit. 

No person can properly be received to member- 
ship in the church unless having thus been bap- 
tized ; and, as baptism must precede an actual 
church membership, so it must precede all the 
privileges of church membership, including that of 
the Lord's Supper. 

THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

2. The Lord's Supper is a provision of bread and 
wine, partaken of by the members of the church ; 
in which service they commemorate the sufferings 
and death of Christ for them, and profess their 
faith in him. 



32 

Note i. — Both ordinances are ordinarily and 
properly administered by ordained and accredited 
ministers ; but both would doubtless be equally 
valid if administered by private members, did 
occasion require and the church so direct. 

Note 2. — While the privileges of the Lord's 
Supper can be claimed as a right only by the 
members of the particular church by which it is 
observed, yet it is customary, as an act of courtesy, 
to invite members of other Baptist churches, of 
like faith and order, who may be present at the 
administration, to remain and partake. 

Note 3.— The communion and fellowship in the 
Supper is with Christ, "the head, " and not with 
each other as " the members." " Do this in re- 
membrance of me" All thought and sympathy 
in the service should be centred in him who is 
" the living bread, " and not fixed on each other.* 



*For a full discussion of controverted questions respecting Bap- 
tism and Communion see the " Baptist Short Method, " by the 
author of this work. 



33 

» 

OFFICERS. 

The officers of a church, according to New 
Testament, teaching, are pastors, called also 
bishops, presbyters, elders and overseers; whose 
oversight, authority and duties are mainly in 
spiritual things ; and deacons, whose official duties 
are chiefly an oversight of the temporal concerns 
of the church, and in general, as helpers of * the 
pastor. The qualifications for both offices are set 
forth in the Epistles to Timothy and Titu 

Note i. — In the election of either a pastor or 
deacon, notice of such election should be given 
from the pulpit, for at least two Sundays preceding 
the time for the same. The election should be by 
ballot, and at least three-quarters of the votes 
cast should be necessary for the election of a pas- 
tor, and two thirds for the election of a deacon. 
And such elections should be preceded by prayer, 
and conducted without party influences. 

Note 2. — Both pastor and deacons should be 
elected for unlimited time of service, and so long 
as there shall be mutual satisfaction. (Though 
deacons may sometimes be properly elected for a 
limited term.) Such a course tends less to depre- 
ciate and make servile the offices, and their duties, 
in the estimation of the people, and those who 
bear them, than limited periods of service, 



34 

« 

Note 3. — The relation between the pastor 
and church may be dissolved at the option of 
either, by giving three months notice ; or other- 
wise by mutual consent. Between the church and 
the deacons, the relation may be dissolved, at the 
'option of either, without previous notice. 

Note 4. — The church is to fix the amount of 
salary necessary to a generous support of the pas- 
tor, and hold itself obligated by every consider- 
ation of christian honor, for the prompt and 
regular payment of the same. To fail in this is as 
dishonorable to the church, as it is unjust and vex- 
atious to the pastor. 

Note 5. — The number of deacons is optional 
with the church. It is usually from three to seven. 
But election to the deaconship should never take 
place unless there are candidates whose fitness for 
the office is generally conceded ; never merely for 
the sake of filling an office. 

Note 6. — A church clerk is elected annually, at 
a business meeting, by a majority vote. It is an 
office of convenience, for keeping the minutes and 
preserving the records of the body. Trustees are 
also elected by the church, or, if the law makes 
this necessary, by a " society ; " their duties are 
the care of the property and the management of 
finances. 

Note 7.— The offices of trust, and service in a 



35 

church should be as widely distributed among the 
members as possible. This rule should seldom be 
transgressed. No one man should hold more than 
one office at the same time, unless it be a matter 
of positive necessity. If offices are honors, they 
should be widely dispensed. If they are burdens, 
they certainly should be.» For the same man to 
hold two or three offices, is as unjust to him as it 
is to his brethren. To concentrate all official 
authority in the hands of a few, is virtually to con- 
stitute an oligarchy in the church ; a course as un- 
wise practically, as it is opposed to the genius of 
the gospel. All experience and the widest obser- 
vation, prove that such a course is the fruitful 
source of suspicion, discontent, partisanship, and 
strife in the household of faith. Relieve members 
of responsibility, and their interest declines. Give 
them too much power, and they may misuse it. 
Men positively unfit ought not to be put into office. 
But the best of men should not be tempted with 
too much office. 



36 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Persons may become members of the church as 
follows : 

1. By Baptism ; the church, after having listened 
to their religious experience, and being satisfied 
with the same, and with their Christian deport- 
ment, votes to receive them to its fellowship on 
being baptized. 

2. By Letter ; such letter of dismission and 
recommendation being presented from another 
Baptist Church of the same faith and order, 
accompanied with satisfactory evidence of Chris- 
tian character. 

3. By Experience ; they having been baptized, 
but being members of no church, or of another 
denomination ; giving satisfactory evidence of 
Christian character, and of substantial agreement 
with the church in matters of faith and practice. 

Note i. — Persons can not be received to mem- 
bership on the credit of letters from other denom- 
inations. Such letters will, however, be accepted 
as certificates of Christian character, and of church 
standing. 

Note 2. — While the church does not require 
candidates to sign any creed, confession, or articles 
of faith, yet it does expect a substantial agreement 
in matters of faith and practice, on the part of its 
members, as essential both to the harmony and 
efficiency of the body. 



37 

Note 3. — Should any member object to the re- 
ception of a candidate, such reception should be 
deferred to consider the reasons for the objection. 
Objections judged groundless, or unreasonable, 
should not prevent the reception of a suitable 
candidate ; yet no one should be received except 
by a unanimous or nearly unanimous vote. 

Note 4. — It is customary for candidates, after 
their experience, or letters, have been presented, to 
retire while the church deliberates and acts upon 
their case. 

Note 5. — Any member in good standing, shall 
be entitled, at any time, to a letter of dismission, 
in the usual form, with which to unite with 
another church of the same faith and order. 

Note 6. — All letters shall be valid for six 
months only, during which time they must be 
used, if used at all. Bu£ if held longer, they may 
be renewed by the church, if satisfactory reasons 
are given for their non-use. 

Note 7^Each one receiving a letter is still a 
member of the church, and under its watch, care 
and discipline, until his letter is actually received 
by another church. 

Note 8. — Letters cannot be given to members 
for the purpose of uniting with churches with 
which we are not in fellowship. But any member 
is entitled, at any time, to receive a certificate oi 
standing, and Christian character. 



. 38 

Note 9. — No member can withdraw from the 
church, or have his name dropped, or at his own 
request be excluded from the fellowship of the 
body. 

Note 10. — Nor can a member have a letter 
voted and forced upon him without his wish and 
consent. Such would be a virtual expulsion from 
the body. If worthy to receive a letter, he cannot 
be forced out of the church without his consent. 

Note ii. — Members living remote from the 
church are expected to unite with some Baptist 
church near their residence ; or give satisfactory 
reasons for not doing so. When they cannot so 
unite, they are expected to report themselves to 
the church at least once each year, and contribute 
to its support, till they cease to be members. 

Note 12. — Letters of dismission may be revok- 
ed, at any time before being used, if, in the judg- 
ment of the church, there be sufficient reason for 
such action. 

Note 13. — Church fellowship will be withdrawn 
from members who unite with other denomina- 
tions ; because, however excellent their character, 
or sincere their intentions, they have broken cove- 
nant with the church, and by such act have placed 
themselves beyond the limits of its fellowship. 



39 



Note 14. — Persons excluded from other 
churches cannot be received to membership, except 
after the most careful investigation of all the facts 
in the case, and not unless it be manifest that the 
exclusion was unjustifiable, and that the church ex- 
cluding persistently refuses to do justice to the 
excluded member 

Note 15. — A letter is usually asked for and 
addressed to a particular church. This is proper, 
but not necessary. It may be asked for, and given 
"to any church of the same faith and order." Or if 
directed to one, it may be presented to, and re- 
ceived by another. 

Note 16. — It is expected that all pecuniary 
liability to the church will be canceled, and all 
personal difficulties in the church will be settled 
by a member, should such exist, before he asks 
for, or receives a letter of dismission. 

Note 17.— Each member, without exception, is 
expected to fill his place in the church, in attend- 
ance on its appointments, as Providence may 
allow, and also to contribute of his means for the 
pecuniary support of the church, according to his 
ability. If in either of these respects he fails, and 
refuses, he becomes a covenant-breaker, and is 
subject to the discipline of the body. 



40 

DISCIPLINE. 

In the adminstration of corrective discipline, 
for the settlement of difficulties, and the removal 
of offences, the church will be guided by the 
following rules and principles. 

* 
•In Private Offences. 

In private offences, or such as one member may 
commit against another member, occasioning a 
grievance which does not affect any other person 
or persons, the course prescribed by our Saviour, 
in Matthew, 18th chap., should be strictly followed. 

i. First Step. — The member who considers 
himself injured must go to the offender, tell him 
his grief, and between themselves alone, if possible, 
adjust and settle the difficulty. " K thy brother 
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his 
fault, between thee and him -alone." This must 
be done, not to charge, upbraid, or condemn the 
offender, but to win him. " It he shall hear thee, 
thou hast gained thy brother." 

2. Second Step. — If this shall fail, then the 
offended member must take one or two of the 
brethren with him, seek an interview with the 
offender, and, if possible, by their united wisdom 
and piety, remove the offence and harmonize the 
difficulty. " But if he will not hear thee, then take 
with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of 



41 

two or three witnesses every word may be 
established." 

3. Third Step, — If this step should prove un- 
availing, then the offended member must tell the 
whole matter to the churchy and leave it in their 
hands to be disposed of, as to them may seem 
wisest and best. " And if he shall neglect to hear 
them, tell it to the church ; and if he neglect to 
hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen 
man, and a publican ." • 

Note 1. — While this divine rule makes it 
obligatory on the offended member to go to the 
offender and seek a reconciliation, yet much more 
is it obligatory on any member who knows that a 
brother is grieved with him, to seek such an one, 
and try to remove the difficulty. 

" If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there 
rememberest that thy brother hath aught against 
thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go 
thy way ; first be reconciled to thy brother, and 
then come and offer thy gilt 1 ." 

Note 2. — The matter is not to be made public 
until these three steps have been fully taken, and 
have failed ; and then to be made public only by 
telling the church, and no others. 

Note 3. — When the case comes before the 
church, it must not be neglected, or dropped, but 
be judiciously pursued until the difficulty be ad- 
justed, the offence removed, 8r else the offender be 
disfellowshipped, and put away. — 1 Matt. v. 23. 



42 



In Public Offences. 

Public offences are such as are supposed to be a 
reproach or an injury to the church as a body, or 
to the reputation of religion. They are not against 
any one person, more than another. 

The more common causes of public offence are 
the following : False doctrine 1 ; disregard of 
authority 2 ; contention and strife 3 ; immoral con- 
duct 4 ; disorderly walk 5 : covetous spirit 6 ; arrogant 
conduct 7 ; going to law 8 . 

The following is generally accepted as the 
proper course of treatment for public offences. 

1. The first member who has knowledge of the 
offence, should, as in the case of private offences, 

■ seek the offender, ascertain the facts, and attempt 
to reconcile or remove the difficulty. Not till he 
has done this should he make it public, or bring it 
before the church. 

2. But if no one will, or can, pursue this course 
of personal effort, or if such a course proves un- 
successful, then any member having knowledge of 
the facts should confer with the pastor and dea- 
cons, as to the best course to be pursued. 

3. The pastor and deacons should, by the best 



1 Gal. i. 9.-2 John 12— 2 Matt. xviii. 17.— Thes. v. 14.— 3 Rom. 
xvu, 17.— 4 i Cor. v. n.-#2 Thes. iii. 6, 9.— 6 Eph. v. 5.— Cor. 
v. 11. — 7 3 John 9 — . 8 i Cor. vi. 6. 



43 



method they are capable of devising, labor to 
adjust the matter, without bringing it into the 
church, or otherwise making it public. 

4. But if their efforts fail, or if the case be al- 
ready public, and a reproach and scandal to 
religion, then they should bring it to the church, 
and direct the course of discipline as seems wisest. 

5. The church, thus having the case before 
them, should either appoint a committee to visit 
the offender, or cite him before the body to answer 
the charge. He should be allowed to hear the 
evidence against him, know the witnesses, and be 
permitted to answer for himself. 

6. If the accused disproves the charges, or if he 
confesses the wrong, makes suitable acknowledge- 
ment, and so far as possible reparation, with 
promise of amendment, in all ordinary cases, this 
should be deemed satisfactory, and the case be 
dismissed. 

7. But if, after patient, deliberate, and prayerful 
labor, all efforts fail to reclaim the offender, then, 
however painful the necessity, the church must 
withdraw its fellowship from him, and put him 
away from them. 

8. If the case be one of flagrant immorality, by 
which the reputation of the body is compromised, 
and the Christian name scandalized, the hand of 
fellowship should be withdrawn from the offender, 



44 



notwithstanding any confessions and promises, of 
'amendment. 

The church's good name, and the honor of re- 
ligion demands this testimony against evil. He 
may be subsequently restored if suitably penitent. 

Note i. — All discipline must be conducted in 
the spirit of Christian meekness and love, with a 
desire to remove offences, and win offenders. It 
must also be done under a deep sense of respons- 
ibility to maintain the honor of Christ's name, 
the purity of his church, and integrity of his truth. 

Note 2. — If any member shall attempt to 
bring a private grievance before the . church, or 
otherwise make it public, before he has pursued 
the course prescribed in Matthew, xviii. chapter, 
he becomes himself an offender, and subject to the 
discipline of the body. 

NOTE 3. — When private difficulties exist among 
members, which they cannot, or will not settle, 
the church should consider them as public offences, 
and as such dispose of them, rather than suffer the 
perpetual injury which they inflict. 

Note 4. — When a member refers any private 
difficulty to the church, which he has been unable 
to settle, he must submit it wholly to the dis- 
position of the body, and abide by their decision. 
If he attempts to revive and prosecute it beyond 
the decision of the church, he becomes an offender, 
and subject to discipline. 



45 



Note 5. — Any member tried by the church has 
the right to receive copies of all charges against 
him, the names of his accusers and witnessess, 
both of whom he shall have the privilege of meet- 
ing face to face, hearing their statements, bringing 
witnesses on his side, and answering for himself 
before the body. 

Note 6.— Every member, on trial, or excluded, 
shall have furnished, at his request, authentic 
copies of all prcoeedings had by the church in his 

a e. 

Note 7. — No member under discipline can have 
the right to bring any person, not a member, be- 
fore the church as his advocate, except by consent 
of the body. 

NOTE 8.— In every case of exclusion, the 
charges against the member, and the reasons for 
his exclusion, should be accurately entered on the 
records of the church. 

Note 9. — If at any time it shall become appar- 
ent, or seem probable to the church, that it has 
for any reason dealt unjustly with a member, or 
excluded him without sufficient cause, it should at 
once, and without request, by concession and res- 
toration, so far as possible repair the injury it has 
done. 

Note 10. — The church should hold itself bound 
to restore to its fellowship an excluded member 



4 6 

whenever he gives satisfactory evidence of repent- 
ance and reformation consistent with godliness. 

Note ii. — The church will exercise its legiti- 
mate authority, and vindicate its honor and recti- 
tude in the adminstration of discipline, even 
though the member should regard such discipline 
as unjust or oppressive. 

Note 12. — Nothing can be considered a just 
and reasonable cause for discipline except what is 
forbidden by the letter or the spirit of Scripture. 
And nothing can be considered a sufficient cause 
for disfeliowship and exclusion, except what is 
clearly contrary to Scripture, and what would have 
prevented the reception of the person into the 
church, had it been known to exist at the time of 
his reception.* 



CHURCH BUSINESS. 



The business meetings of the church should be 
conducted as much as possible in the spirit of 
devotion, and under a sense of the propriety and 
sanctity which attaches to the kingdom of God. 

*For a comprehensive view of Church order and discipline, see 
that subject in " The Baptist Church Directory." 



47 



Order of Business. 

1. The meetings to be opened with reading the 
Scriptures, singing, and prayer. 

2. The reading, correction, and approval of the 
minutes of the preceding meeting. 

3. Unhnished business, or such as the minutes 
present, including reports of committee taken in 
order. 

4. New business will next be taken up. Any 
member may call up new business. But import- 
ant matters should not be presented, except on 
previous consultation with the pastor and deacons. 

Note i. — The pastor is, by virtue of his office, 
moderator of all church business meetings. If he 
be not present, or do not wish to serve, any one 
may be elected to take the place. 

Note 2. — All business meetings should be an- 
nounced from the pulpit one sabbath at least, 
before they are held. 

Note 3. — Special meetings for business may be 
called at any time, by consent of the pastor and 
deacons. 

Note 4. — Though a majority usually decides 
questions, yet in all matters of special importance, 
a unaminous, or nearly unaminous, vote should be 
secured. 

Note 5. — Members may be received, and 
letters of dismission granted, either at the busi- 



ness church meeting, the covenant meeting, or the 
regular weekly prayer meeting, the church so di- 
recting. 

Note 6. — Candidates for admission to member- 
ship will be expected to retire from the meeting 
when action is taken on their reception. 

Note 7. — No persons, except members, will be 
expected to be present during the transaction of 
church business. If present, they may be asked to 
retire. 

NOTE 8. — Although the church should endeavor 
to do nothing which its members will be ashamed 
or afraid to have known by others, yet every mem- 
ber is bound, by the honor of a Christian, not to 
publish abroad, nor disclose to those without, the 
private affairs and business transactions of the 
body. 

Rules of Order. 

The following constitute the generally accepted 
rules of order for church, and other business pro- 
ceedings. 

Motions. 

1. All business shall be presented by a motion, 
made by one member, and seconded by another, 
and presented in writing by the mover, if so re- 
quired. 



49 

1. No discussion can properly be had until the 
motion is made, seconded, and stated' by the chair- 
man. 

3. A motion cannot be withdrawn after it has 
been discussed, except by the unanimous consent 
of the body. 

4. A motion having been discussed, must be 
put to vote, unless withdrawn, laid on the table, 
referred, or postponed. 

5. A motion lost should not be recorded, except 
so ordered by the body at the time. 

6. A motion lost cannot be renewed at the same 
meeting, except by unanimous consent. 

7. A motion should contain but one distinct 
proposition. If it contains more, it must be 
divided at the request of any member, and the 
propositions acted on separately. 

8. Only one question can properly be before the 
meeting at the same time. No second motion can 
be allowed to interrupt one already under debate, 
except a motion to amend, to substitute, to com- 
mit, to postpone, to lay on the table, for the pre- 
vious question, or to adjourn. 

9. These subsidiary motions just named, cannot 
be interrupted by any other motion ; nor can any 
other motion be applied to them, except that to 
amend, which may be done by specifying some 
time, place, or purpose. 



So 

10. Nor can these motions interrupt or super- 
sede each other ; only that a motion to adjourn is 
always in order, except while a member has the 
floor, or a question is being taken. 

Amendments. 

1. Amendments may be made to resolutions in 
three ways : By omitting, by adding, or by sub- 
stituting words or sentences. 

2. An amendment to an amendment may be 
made, but is seldom necessary, and should be 
avoided. 

3. No amendment should be made which essen- 
tially changes the meaning or design of the origi- 
nal resolution. 

4. But a substitute may be offered, which may 
change entirely the meaning of the resolution un- 
der debate. 

5. The amendment must first be discussed 
and acted on, and then the original resolution as 
amended. 

Speaking. 

1 . Any member desiring to speak on a ques- 
tion, should rise in his place, and address the 
moderator, confine his remarks to the question, 
and avoid all unkind and disrespectful language. 

2. A speaker using improper language, intro- 
ducing improper subjects, or otherwise out of 



5i 



order, should be called to order by the chairman, 
or any member, and must either conform to the 
regulations of the body, or take his seat. 

3. A member, while speaking, can allow others 
to ask questions, or make explanations ; but if he 
yields the floor to another, he cannot clajm it again 
as his right. 

4. If two members rise to speak at the same 
time, preference is usually given to the one farthest 
from the chair, or to the one opposing the question 
under discussion. 

5. The fact that a person has several times 
arisen, and attempted to get the floor, gives him 
no claim or right to be heard. Nor does a call 
for the question deprive a member of his right to 
speak. 

Voting. 

1. A question is put to vote by the chairman, 
having first distinctly re-stated it, that all may vote 
intelligently. First, the affirmative, then the 
negative is called ; each so deliberately as to give 
all an opportunity of voting. He then distinctly 
announces whether the motion is carried, or lost, 

2. Voting is usually done by "aye " and "no/ 
or by raising the hand. In a doubtful case, by 
standing, and being counted. On certain ques- 
tions, by ballot. 



■52 



3. If the vote, as announced Dy the chairman, 
is doubted, it is called again, usually by standing 
to be counted* 

4. All members should vQte, unless for reasons 
excused ; or unless under discipline, in which case 
they should take no part in the business. 

5. The moderator does not usually vote, except 
the question be taken by ballot ; but when the 
meeting is equally divided, he usually gives the 
casting vote. 

6. When the vote is to to be taken by ballot, the 
chairman appoints tellers, to distribute, collect, and 
count the ballots. 

Committees. 

1. Committees are nominated by the chairman, 
if so directed by the body, or by any member ; and 
the nomination is confirmed by a vote of the body. 
More commonly the body directs that all commit- 
tees shall be appointed 'by the chairman, in which 
case no vote is needed to confirm. 

2. Any matter of business, or subject under de- 
bate, may be referred to a committee, with or 
without instructions. The committee make their 
report, which is the result of their deliberations. 
The body then takes action on the report, and on 
any recommendations it may contain. 

3. The report of a committee is received by a 
vote, which acknowledges their services, and takes 



53 



the report before the body for its action. After- 
wards, any distinct recomme7idation contained in 
the report is acted on, and may be adopted or re- 
jected. 

4. Frequently, however, when the recommenda- 
tions of the committee are of trifling- moment, or 
likely to be generally acceptable, the report is re- 
ceived and adopted by the same vote. 

5. A report may be recommitted to the commit- 
tee, with or without instructions ; or that commit- 
tee discharged, and the matter referred to a new 
one, for further consideration, so as to present it 
in a form more likely to meet the general concur- 
rence of the body. 

6. A committee may be appointed with power, 
for a specific purpose. This gives them power to 
dispose conclusively of the matter, without further 
reference, or report to the body. 

7. The first named in the appointment of a com- 
mittee, is by courtesy considered the chairman. 
But the committee has the right to name its own 
chairman. 

8. The member who moves the appointment of 
a committee is usually, though not necessarily, 
named its chairman. 

9. The committees of arrangement, or for other 
protracted service, report progress from time to 
time, and are continued until their final report, or 
until their appointment expires by limitation. 



54 



io. A committee js discharged by a vote, when 
its business is done, and its report accepted. But 
usually, in routine business, a committee is con- 
sidered discharged by the acceptance of its re- 
port. * 

Standing Committee. 

A committee appointed to act for a given period 
or during the recess of the body, is called a 
standing committee. It has charge of a given 
department of business assigned by the body, and 
acts either with power, under instruction, or at 
discretion, as 'may be ordered. A standing com- 
mittee is substantially a minor board, and has its 
own chairman, secretary, records, and times of 
meeting. 

Appeal. 

The moderator announces all votes, and decides 
all questions as to rules of proceeding, and order 
of debate. But any member who is dissatisfied 
with his decisions, may appeal from them to the 
body. The moderator then puts the question, 
" Shall the decision of the chair be sustained? ' 
The vote of the body, whether negative or affirm- 
ative, is final. The right of appeal is undeniable, 
but should not be resorted to on trivial occasions. 



55 



Previous Question. 

Debate may be cut short, by a vote to take the 
previous question. This means that the original, 
or main question under discussion, be immediately 
voted on, regardless of amendments and second- 
ary questions, and without further debate. 

i. If the motion for the previous question be 
carried, then the main question must be immed- 
iately taken, without further debate. 

2. If the motion for the previous question be 
lost, the debate proceeds, as though no such mo- 
tion had been made. 

3. If the motion for the previous question be 
lost, it cannot be renewed with reference to the 
same question, during that session. 

To Lay on the Table. 

Immediate and decisive action on any question 
under discussion may be deferred, by a vote to 
lay on the table the resolution pending. This dis- 
poses of the whole subject for the present, and 
ordinarily is in effect a final dismissal of it. But 
any member has the right subsequently to call it 
up ; and the body will decide by vote whether, or 
not, it shall be taken from the table. 

I. Sometimes, however, a resolution is laid on 
the table for the present, or until a specified time 
to give place to other business. 



56 



2. A motion to lay on the table must apply to a 
resolution, or other papers. An abstract subject 
cannot be disposed of in this way. 

Postponement, 

A simple postponement is for a specified time or 
purpose, the business to be resumed when the 
time or purpose is reached. But a question indefi- 
nitely postponed 'is considered as finally dismissed. 

Not Debatable, 

Certain motions, by established usage, are not 
debatable, but when once before the body, must 
be taken without discussion. 

These are : The previous question, for indefinite 
postponement, to commit, to lay on the table, to 
adjourn. 

But when these motions are modified by some 
condition of time, place, or purpose, they become 
debatable, and subject to the rules of other mo- 
tions. 

A body is, however, competent, by a vote, to 
allow debate on all motions. 

To Reconsider, 

A motion to reconsider a motion previously 
passed, must be made by one who voted for the 
motion when it passed. 



57 



If the body votes to reconsider, then the motion 
or resolution, being reconsidered, stands before 
them as previous to its passage, and may be dis- 
cussed, adopted or rejected. 

A vote to reconsider should be taken at the 
same session at which the vote reconsidered was 
passed, and when there are as many members 
present. 

Be Discussed. 

If, when a question is introduced, any member 
objects to its discussion, as foreign, profitless, or 
contentious, the moderator should at once put the 
question, " Shall this inotion be discussed? " If 
this question be decided in the negative, the sub- 
ject must be dismissed. 

Order of the Day. 
The body may decide to take up some definite 
business at a specified time. That business there- 
by becomes the order of the day, for that hour. 
When the time mentioned arrives, the chairman 
calls the business, or any member may demand it, 
with or without a vote ; and all pending questions 
are postponed in consequence. 

Point of Order. 
Any member who believes that a speaker is out 
of order, or that discussion is proceeding improp- 
erly, may at any time rise to a point of order % He 



58 

must distinctly state his question or objection, 
which the moderator will decide. 

Privileges. 

Questions relating to the rights and privileges 
of members, are of primary importance, and, until 
disposed of, take precedence of all other business, 
and supersede all other motions, except that of 
adjournment. 

Rule Suspended. 

A rule of order may be suspended by a vote of 
the body, to allow the transaction of business nec- 
essary, but which could not otherwise be done 
without a violation of such rule. 

^Filling Blanks. 
Where different numbers are suggested for fill- 
ing blanks, the highest number, greatest distance, 
and longest time are usually voted on first. 



1. A simple motion to adjourn is always in 
order, except while a member is speaking, or when 
taking a vote. It takes precedence of all other 
motions, and is not debatable. 

2. In some deliberative bodies, a motion to ad- 
journ is in order while a speaker has the floor, or 
a vote is being taken, the business to stand, on re- 
assembling, precisely as when adjournment took 
place. 



59 

3- A body may adjourn to a specified time ; but 
if no time be mentioned, the fixed, or usual -time 
cf meeting is understood. If there be no fixed, or 
usual time of meeting, then an adjournment with- 
out date, is equivalent to a dissolution. 

Note. — While it may not be best to abide too 
rigidly by parliamentary rules in church meetings, 
yet it is still worse to drift into a loose, unbusiness- 
like way, which wastes time, accomplishes little, 
*and does wrongly much that is done. 

STANDING RESOLUTIONS. 

There are certain moral and social questions 
which often occasion perplexity, with respect to 
which each church should have settled convic- 
tions, and hold a well-defined attitude. 

It is not wise to put definitions and restrictions 
touching intemperance, card-playing, dancing, 
theater-going, and the like, into church covenants, 
or articles of faith. A better way is to vote stand- 
ing resolutions, to "be placed on the records to 
guide the action of the church. 

Something like the following, to be varied at the 
option of the body, would serve as a declaration 
of its position : 

i. Resolved, That this Church will expect each 
member to contribute statedly for its support, ac- 
cording to his ability, as God hath prospered him. 



6o 



2. Resolved, That this Church will entertain and 
contribute statedly to the leading objects of Chris- 
tian benevolence approved of, and supported by 
our denomination. 

3. Resolved, That the religious education of the 
young, and Bible study as represented in Sunday- 
School work, commend themselves to our confi- 
dence, and we will, to the extent of our ability, 
give them our sympathy and our aid, by both our 
personal co-operation and our contributions. 

4. Resolved, That in our opinion, the use of 
intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and, also, the 
manufacture and the sale of the same, for 
such a use, are contrary to Christian morality, in- 
jurious to personal piety, and a hindrance to Gos- 
pel truth ; and that persons so using, making, or 
selling, are thereby disqualified for membership in 
this Church. 

5. Resolved, That we emphatically condemn the 
practice of church members attending theatres 
and other similar places of popular amusement, as 
inconsistant with a Christian profession, detrimen- 
tal to personal piety, and pernicious in the influ- 
ence of its example on others. 

6. Resolved, That the members of this Church 
are earnestly requested not to provide for, take 
part in, or by any means encourage dancing, or 
card-playing ; but in all consistant ways to dis- 
countenance the same, as harmful to godliness in 
their associations and tendencies, and an offence 
to brethren whom we should not willingly grieve. 



6i 



FORMS AND BLANKS. 

Minutes of a Church Meeting. 

New York, Oct. — , 18— . 
The Church held its regular meeting for busi- 
ness this evening, at — o'clock 
The Pastor : Moderator. 
After singing, and reading the Scriptures, prayer 

was offered by . 

Minutes of the last meeting were read and ap- 
proved. 

[Then follows an accurate record of all the bus- 
iness done,] 

The meeting adjourned. 

, Clerk. 

Gall for an Ordaining Council. 

New York, Oct. — , 18--. 

The — Church of — 

To the Church of 

Dear Brethren : 

You are requested to send your pastor and two 
delegates, to meet in council with us, Nov. — , at 
— o'clock A. M., to consider the propriety of pub- 
licly setting apart to the work of the Gospel 
ministry, our brother ~. 



The Council will meet in — . 

The following churches are invited . 

By order of the Church, 

Clerk. 



62 

Call for a Recognizing Council. 

New York, Oct. — ,18— . 

To the Church, cf 

Dear Brethren : 
In behalf of a company of believers in Christ, 
you are requested to send your pastor and two 

delegates, to meet in council at- — , Nov. — , at 

— a'clock P.M„ to consider the propriety of recog- 
nizing said company of believers as a regular and 
independent Church. 

The Council will meet in . 

The following churches are invited -. 

Affectionately yours, 

Com. or Clerk. 



Note. — By some, it is earnestly contended, that 
a council to recognize a church, should be called to 
render its advice before the church is constituted, 
and not afterwards. Advice asked, or given after 
the act is consummated, seems a meaningless ser- 
vice. 



Call for an Advisory Council. 

New York, Oct. — , 18 — . 

The Church of 

To the Church of 



«3 



Dear Brethren : 
You are requested to send your pastor and two 
delegates, to meet in council, Nov. — , at — o'clock 
p. M., to advise concerning certain difficulties ex- 
isting among us, which disturb our peace, and 
threaten the most serious consequences to the wel- 
fare of the Church. 

The Council will be held in . 

The following churches are invited . 

By order of the Church, 

, Clerk. 



Letter of Dismission. 

The Church of 

To the — Church of 

Dear Brethren : 

This is to certify that is a member of 

'this Church in good and regular standing, and, at 
— own request, is hereby dismissed from us, to 
unite with you. When — shall have so united, — 
connection with us will cease. May the blessing 
of God rest on , and on you. 

Done by order of the Church, New York, Oct, 
— , 1 8— . Clerk. 

This letter is valid for six months from date, 



6 4 

Note. — It is customary for a letter to be asked 
for and given, to unite with a particular Church, to 
be named in the letter. But it may be asked for, 
and given to " any Church of the same faith and 
order." If given to a specified Church, it may be 
used for any other similar Church, if thought 
necessary. 



Letter of Co7nmendation. 

This certifies that is a member in 

good and regular standing, of the — Church 

f j an d as such, I most cordially commend 

— to the confidence, sympathy, and fellowship of 
sister churches, wherever Providence may direct — 
course. , Pastor. 



Note. — Such a letter is given to members dur- 
ing a temporary absence from home, and as an 
introduction among strangers. 



. 



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